Ophthalmia neonatorum in Nairobi, Kenya: the roles of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis

Abstract

Among 149 consecutive infants with ophthalmia neonatorum in Nairobi, Neisseria gonorrhoeae was recovered from 43%, Chlamydia trachomatis from 13%, and both microorganisms from 4%. Three of five isolates of C. trachomatis belonged to trachoma serovars. The sensitivity and specificity of a gram-stained smear for the diagnosis of gonococcal conjunctivitis were 86% and 90%, respectively. Patients with gonococcal conjunctivitis had more purulent discharge, a higher clinical severity score, and a younger age at onset of disease. Corneal epithelial edema with superficial keratitis was present in four (16%) of 25 patients with gonococcal conjunctivitis but in none of 22 other patients (P = .07). N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis was isolated from the pharynx in 11 (15%) and six (23%) cases, respectively. Oropharyngeal gonococcal infection was associated with coughing (P = .007).